Natick selectman suggests study of town governance structure

Selectmen this week considered whether to form a task force to evaluate Natick’s governance structure but did not take any action.

Brian Benson/Daily News staff

Selectmen this week considered whether to form a task force to evaluate Natick’s governance structure but did not take any action.

Some board members suggested an evaluation could be part of the board’s goals for fiscal year 2014.

Board Chairman Paul Joseph proposed forming a task force to review at lest three forms of government including the current town administrator government, switching to a town manger, or becoming a city with mayor and council.

With government becoming increasingly complex and some boards struggling to attract members and meet quorums, Joseph said it is time to evaluate the structure.

Switching to a town manager, could "put a little more of the responsibility of vision-setting and strategic planning on the administration," Joseph said.

One benefit of becoming a city could be more visibility and clout with state leaders since Natick would be part of a small group of cities, he said.

"A town manager is more of a fit with where Natick has been," Joseph said, noting he is not advocating for one particular structure. "It’s very hard to jump from a town administrator to a mayor."

He said there’s currently complexity and confusion about what committees are responsible for what issues and how residents or businesses should interact with the town.

Joseph said in a memo to selectmen that process could be critical to the town's ability to grow in an increasingly competitive environment.

Joseph wrote he is making the suggestion because of concerns about the system, not unhappiness with the current administration or any board or person.

Government structure "all depends on what’s right for a… municipality and also what people want," said Town Moderator Frank Foss, who works in government relations for a private company and regularly deals with cities and towns.

Foss said there are other town committees who would become involved if changes are ever proposed, but selectmen can study the issue if they desire.

"There’s no harm in exploring," Foss said.

Selectman Joshua Ostroff during Monday’s board meeting said he is not aware of Natick thoroughly evaluating its government structure in the past 30 years and it is a topic worth discussing.

Ostroff said the town has an "amazing array of volunteers," and the question is how the town brings together that support and runs an effective government.

Selectwoman Carol Gloff said Monday Joseph raised good points but she wasn’t ready to create a group to study it.

"It’s a big deal," she said. "Going down that pathway will raise a lot of questions from citizens."

Brian Benson can be reached at 508-626-3964 or bbenson@wickedlocal.com.

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